Restoril

Generic Name: Temazepam

What is this medication and its most common uses?

Restoril is a federally controlled substance because it has abuse potential.

What should I know when beginning and continuing on this medication?

How does this medication work?

Restoril works by slowing down your brain activity, thereby producing a calming effect.

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: Restoril may help you fall asleep faster, decrease the number of times you wake up during the night, and improve your total time of sleep.

When: For most patients, Restoril acts quickly and therefore should be taken right before you get into bed and only if you are able to get a full night's sleep. It is important that you take Restoril exactly as your healthcare provider has prescribed. If your insomnia gets worse or is not better within 7 to 10 days, call your healthcare provider as this may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problems.

How do I know it is working?

If you are able to fall asleep faster than you normally would and do not wake up as often during the night, Restoril is likely working effectively. Your healthcare provider may ask you questions from time to time to assess your sleep pattern.

What are the possible side effects of this medication?

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

More common side effects may include: drowsiness, headache, tiredness, nervousness, dizziness, nausea, "hangover" feeling the day after taking Restoril.

Less common side effects may include:

Mental and physical dependence can occur. Keep Restoril in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse.

Serious allergic reactions with symptoms such as swelling of your tongue or throat; trouble breathing or swallowing; or nausea and vomiting.

Getting up out of bed while not being fully awake and engaging in activities that you do not know you are doing (such as driving a car ["sleep driving"], making and eating food, talking on the phone, having sex, or sleep-walking).

Abnormal thoughts and behavior with symptoms such as being more outgoing than usual, increased aggressiveness, confusion, memory loss, agitation, hallucinations, anxiety, worsening of your depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Seizures, stomach cramps, vomiting, and sweating can occur if you suddenly stop taking Restoril or decrease your dose. Do not stop taking Restoril or change the dose without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Who should not take this medication?

Do not take Restoril if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Do not take Restoril if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take the first dose of this medication?

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Restoril. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or addiction, depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; liver, kidney, or breathing problems; or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults: The recommended dose is 15 milligrams.

Your healthcare provider may increase your dose as needed, until the desired effect is achieved.

If you are elderly or have certain other conditions, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose appropriately.

How should I take this medication?

Take Restoril exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking Restoril without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Take Restoril right before you get into bed and only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or engage in other dangerous activities until you know how Restoril affects you.

Do not become pregnant while you are taking Restoril.

What are the possible food and drug interactions associated with this medication?

If Restoril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your healthcare provider before combining Restoril with alcohol or other medicines that may make you sleepy (such as oxycodone or carbamazepine).

May I receive this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Restoril during pregnancy. The effects of Restoril during breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of this medication?

Restoril should be taken under special circumstances determined by your healthcare provider. If you miss your scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about your visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like to obtain more information about these advertising practices and to make choices about online behavioral advertising, please click here